CrystalTek - Green Products That Work!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

VINYL OFF

 

How does VINYL-OFF 104 work?

 

How do you apply VINYL-OFF?

 

When does the vinyl fall off after applying VINYL-OFF?

 

Why do I have adhesive left after removing vinyl?

 

Why is the vinyl so soft after applying VINYL-OFF?

 

I applied VINYL-OFF as the directions said and nothing seems to be happening, why?

 

The surface is too cold to apply VINYL-OFF. What should I do?

 

VINYL-OFF 104 affected the paint. Why?

 

Is there a recommended way to remove really large graphics?

 

Is there a recommended way to remove reflective graphics?

 

How does VINYL-OFF 104 work?

VINYL OFF 104 migrates through the vinyl layer, revitalizing it as it passes, and reduces the adhesion level to the substrate while leaving the adhesion to the vinyl sufficiently intact. When the vinyl is pulled its renewed flexibility allows it to be removed in larger pieces with the adhesive still attached. VINYL OFF 104 is a ready to use non-hazardous, nonflammable, non-petroleum, biodegradable, non-toxic solvent. VINYL OFF 104 does not contain petroleum distillates, caustics, acids or butyl ethers and can be safely used indoors.

 

How do you apply VINYL-OFF?

VINYL OFF 104 is a Ready to Use product designed for professional users. Apply with a pad, sponge, foam brush, fine nap roller, even a paper towel to dry vinyl surface selected for removal. Allow one to five minutes of dwell time depending on vinyl thickness and age. Raise an edge of the vinyl, peel to remove at a 35 degree angle. Vinyl decals are temperature sensitive and this product works best if surface is warmed immediately before removing. With a little practice to determine the correct dwell time, temperature and angle of pull for your specific project the adhesive is removed as well. Apply only amount needed to cover surface to be removed. A little goes a long way and if it runs, you are using too much!

 

When does the vinyl fall off?

It doesn’t. VINYL OFF 104 is a productivity enhancement tool. We get reports of up to 200% faster removal but you still have to peel.

 

Why do I have adhesive left after removal?

  1. Typically, noticeable adhesive residue is a result of VINYL OFF 104 being too aggressive. This can be caused by three different things: 1) too much heat. Ideal working temperature for this product in most cases is comfortably warm to your touch typically above 80ºF/28C. 2) Being left too long on the surface or 3) too much being used. Some crews have reportedly re-applied VINYL OFF 104 prior to pulling to try and make the job that much easier. This is not a “more is better” product! It has a specifically engineered balance for optimum results.
  2. A layer of non-vinyl in the film has kept VINYL OFF 104 from getting to the adhesive layer. VINYL OFF 104 will help to get the top layer removed, but the second step of removing the adhesive will need to be addressed with an adhesive remover like our Adhesive-Off.

 

Why is the vinyl so soft?

  1. This is usually caused by a combination of overheat and very thin vinyl. Apply and pull immediately rather than waiting. In really hot conditions, you may cool the surface (and your crew) with water and allow to dry prior to application.
  2. There may be a metal layer in the vinyl that is turning the product back and concentrating all its power in the top layer. VINYL OFF 104 may not be the correct choice for this application.

 

I applied as the directions said and nothing seems to be happening, why?

  1. VINYL OFF 104 is designed to penetrate the vinyl and weaken the adhesive. If the product is doing its job the changes are usually not visible without a lot of magnification. There may be exceptions including when the vinyl bridges a gap such as around rivets. If you are testing VINYL OFF 104 for a new application, we recommend that you use your normal removal technique with and without to see the difference.
  2. Some older graphics, reflective graphics and conspicuity may have been produced with a polyester “protective” lamination or a layer of metal within the film. VINYL-OFF 104 is intended to penetrate vinyl decals and may not be effective on other materials.
  3. In these cases sometimes it may be useful to “rough” up the graphics’ surface with sandpaper before applying VINYL OFF 104
  4. Some “problem” adhesives require special application methods. Please call CrystalTek™ technical support if you think you have run into one of these. We can advise methods to try that differ in timing or method from the generally successful directions on the label.

 

The surface is too cold. What should I do?

Best results are achieved when the surface temperature is above 55ºF/13C at time of application. Let stand a little longer before removing in cooler environments. Vinyl decals remove easiest when warm, typically above 80ºF/28C+. When a temperature-controlled facility is not an option, try turning the working surface to face the sun, use heat lamps, heat gun or propane. Whatever your preferred method VINYL OFF 104 will make the job easier, faster, cleaner and safer. Remember, too cold and the vinyl will take longer to remove. Too hot may leave significant adhesive residue requiring additional clean up time and reduced productivity.

 

VINYL-OFF 104 affected the paint. Why?

VINYL OFF 104 will not harm properly catalyzed automotive paint, but always TEST-TEST-TEST on an inconspicuous area before application. There are many paint choices at the point of manufacture and again during aftermarket repairs. We recommend that you wipe or roller apply only to the vinyl intended for removal. If the product is running off its intended surface then too much is being applied! A little VINYL OFF 104 goes a long way, so if it runs use less!

 

  1. Occasionally temporary softening has been reported mostly on recently painted equipment and aged surfaces with heavy oxidation. Painted surfaces returned to their previous condition when VINYL OFF 104 evaporated or was gently rinsed with water or both.
  2. Some non-primed, non-catalyzed paint may be seriously affected by this product. e.g. Do not use this on Aluma-Lite Signs unless you pretest or want the paint removed as well. Properly catalyzed paint is generally not affected.
  3. Paint that was not correctly cured prior to graphics being applied (common in aftermarket repair work) is going to be an issue no matter what the method of vinyl removal.

 

Is there a recommended way to remove really large graphics?

Yes. Fine nap roller, apply to a few strips at a time (usually 2-4 feet wide). Allow to penetrate, score only the next strip then pull. Alternate applying more VINYL OFF 104 with scoring and pulling so that you are not waiting for product to penetrate as you remove. If you score prior or during dwell time, the product may be too aggressive in the scores and leave strips of adhesive.

 

What about reflective?

It depends (don’t you love an answer like that?) Some reflective is made with metal flakes. VINYL OFF 104 is effective in removing these, as it can migrate around the metal and still get to the adhesive backing. If the reflective has a solid metal layer in it, Vinyl-Off may help in removing the vinyl but will leave the adhesive behind for a two step removal. Sometimes, the metal layer is so close to the surface that the total power of VINYL OFF 104 is concentrated on the ink alone, causing it to melt off the surface. When using VINYL OFF 104 on a heavily laminated or reflective graphic, it can sometimes be useful to “rough up” the surface of the graphic with sandpaper before applying VINYL OFF 104. This will allow VINYL OFF 104 to penetrate through to the adhesive much faster. A different removal method is recommended when this occurs.